Reopening Details

New Hours

We are so excited to see you again!


The Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) safely reopened its doors to the public on Tuesday, June 23. Effective Tuesday, July 21, the FHDC will be extending the limited operating hours that were originally established when we reopened. We will continue to be closed on Mondays to allow for additional cleaning and safety measures during this time. New hours will be as follows:

Hours of Operation

 Day of the Week  Hours
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM

Cleaning Procedures


Our staff has worked diligently to put new safety and cleaning measures into action to make sure our guests feel safe and comfortable when they visit. As we are a high-touch environment, you may notice some changes throughout the building. All areas of the building are open, but some areas are limited. See our Cleaning Procedures information in the tabs below for all the details.

Membership


Are you a current member or did your membership expire during the closure?
Learn more about the Membership Options available to you in the tabs below.

  1. Cleaning Procedures
  2. Membership Information
Need a mask? Just ask! The City of Manhattan's new ordinance has made face masks mandatory in a variety of spaces, including public indoor spaces like ours. Disposable face masks are available at our front desk for any guest without one. The safety of our guests, staff and community is of the utmost importance to us.

Guests can expect the following safety measures when they visit:
  • Guests are asked to practice social distancing.
  • Self-screening is requested prior to entering the Discovery Center.
  • We will be operating at 50% capacity.
  • Hand-sanitizer stations will be available on each floor throughout the Discovery Center.
  • Adjusted air dampers have been installed to increase ventilation of the buildings HVAC system. Upgraded filters from Merv-8 to Merv-13 to meet CDC guidelines. 
  • All high-contact touch points will be sanitized multiple times during the day. This includes the areas of the first floor permanent exhibits, Immersive Theater, Prairie Playscape and Tallgrass Gallery. High-contact touch points include touch screens, hard surfaces, railings, tables, doorknobs, elevator buttons, restrooms, etc.
  • Access to information racks and other sources of paper, which can be handled by multiple individuals will be eliminated. The Discovery Center floor maps will be available to download digitally using a QR Code at check-in.
  • Seating in the Horizon Ranch Immersive Theater will be limited to 30 guests per showing and guests will be asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
  • The second floor exhibit areas will be limited to 50 guests at a time. This includes the Prairie Playscape and Tallgrass Gallery.
  • The tunnel and slide located in the Prairie Playscape will be closed.
  • Toys in the Prairie Playscape will be limited. At the end of each day, used toys will be replaced with clean toys to be used the next day. Used toys will then be sanitized and placed in a secure area for 24 hours to disinfect.
  • The outdoor Prairie Garden Terrace and Trail will remain open to the public.
  • The Gift Store will have a limited capacity in order to maintain social distancing when shopping.
  • Staff and volunteers are required to maintain safe behavioral practices including social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitizing and are highly recommended to wear face masks.
  • Staff, volunteers and guests are asked to stay home if they are ill or not feeling well.